The VAS Communityfilters, the followers, the free stuff – in a lot of ways influencing can seem like the dream job. But on the internet, rarely is anything as it appears. From hate comments and sneaky contracts to prejudice and discrimination, we hear from influencers about their struggles in the industry.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: Twitter / Facebook / Newsletter.

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and NPR One.

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.